You’ve got an upcoming interview, and you’ve prepared your answers, researched the company pre-interview, and picked out the perfect outfit. But have you thought about how you’ll break the ice? Interviews aren’t just about proving you can do the job—they’re also about showing you’re someone people would actually want to work with. And that’s where small talk comes in.
A strong first impression can set the tone for the entire interview. So, how do you start a small talk at the beginning of an interview? You don’t need to be a master conversationalist to make it work in your favor. With good conversation starters, you can build rapport, ease nerves, and make yourself more memorable.
Conversation starters for interviews: The power of small talk
It might seem like just a formality, but small talk is a bigger deal than you think. Interviews are a vibe check. The hiring managers aren’t just listening for the right answers; they’re also gauging your personality, communication skills, and cultural fit within the company. Think about it: If a hiring manager has two equally qualified candidates but one of them already feels like a coworker, who do you think they’ll choose?
Here’s what small talk does for you in an interview:
- Builds rapport: A friendly exchange creates a positive connection right from the start.
- Eases nerves: A natural conversation can help both you and the interviewer feel more relaxed.
- Shows personality: It’s your chance to showcase traits like enthusiasm, curiosity, and confidence.
- Sets the tone: A great first impression can shape how the rest of the interview goes.
Now, let’s get into the conversation starters that can help you ace the small talk game.
The best conversation starters to make a lasting impression
How do you greet people at the beginning of an interview? Instead of the typical “I’m good, how are you?” responses, try adding a little more personality.
Here are some great ways to kick off the conversation:
- I’m doing great! I started my morning with a yoga session, so I’m feeling energized. How about you?
- I’m feeling great—this is actually my first time visiting this part of town. How do you like working around here?
If the conversation is going well, and you want to maintain the flow, it’s helpful to have additional ideas ready. Here are some conversation starters related to industry and culture that you can use throughout the interview:
- I saw that [industry news] happened this week—have you had a chance to look into it? I’d love to hear your take.
- I noticed on LinkedIn that your company recently [milestone or announcement]. That must be exciting! How’s the team feeling about it?
- I read a report the other day about trends in [industry]. Have you noticed any big shifts lately in your role?
- I’m really excited about this interview. I actually came across a great article about your company last week, and it got me even more interested. How’s your day going?
- I saw that your team had a volunteering event last month. That looks like a great initiative! Do you do those often?
- I read that your company promotes a strong work-life balance. What’s something you really enjoy about working here?
- I noticed from the job description that collaboration seems to be a big focus here. What’s one way your team fosters teamwork?
Be cautious of the small talk trap
Being friendly and conversational is a great way to leave a positive impression on a recruiter, but there are some topics that can do more harm than good. It's called small talk for a reason—it shouldn't be deep.
Here’s what to steer clear of:
- Overly personal topics: Avoid bringing up your relationship status, family plans, or anything too private.
- Controversial subjects: Politics, religion, or anything that could spark debate is best left out.
- Negative talk: Complaining about traffic, bad weather, or your last job can create a negative impression.
- Being overly casual: No talking about the crazy night out you had last weekend. While you want to be friendly, don’t get too relaxed—this is still a professional setting.
Stepping into those territories can backfire quickly and even spark discriminatory hiring biases.
Start strong
Interviews are about building connections and presenting yourself as the hiring manager's future coworker. Small talk can be your secret weapon for making a strong first impression and setting the stage for a great interview.
So, next time you’re asked, “How are you?” don’t let it be a dead-end question. Use it as an opportunity to stand out, engage with your interviewer, and show them why you’d be an amazing addition to their team.
The more interviews you land, the better you get—check these amazing open jobs on The Muse to find your next opportunity »